RDH Spotlight
Janette Delinger, RDH, MSDH is an Executive Coach/Owner, with Fortune Management. She received her AAS in DH from Wichita State University in 1983 and BSDH in 1984.
What made you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career?
I knew I wanted to be a dental hygienist since the age of twelve! I never wavered and have loved the profession all through my career. I had planned to only get my AAS in DH, but when I was awarded a two-year ROTC scholarship to cover my JR and SR years of tuition, I had to complete my bachelor’s to accept that award to be commissioned in the US Army Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant. I’m glad I pursued that BSDH because you can’t go wrong with higher education. Who knew that 20 years after receiving my Bachelor’s, I would pursue my Master’s? It certainly surprised me as I would have never thought that would have happened, but it was an opportunity for personal growth that I had to take and am so glad that I did. It allowed me to work for two incredible corporate companies as well as credibility with an advanced degree.
What made you decide to get out of the op?
After over 24 years in full time clinical practice, I went to work with Philips Sonicare for 5.5 years and then transitioned to Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals for 5.5 years. The roles were very similar as a Professional Education manager for Philips and an Academic Manager for Colgate. I worked with dental and dental hygiene students as well as presented Continuing Education programs to dental professionals in a 13 Midwest State Region.
Working as an Executive Coach has been incredibly rewarding and I really love what I do in this role! As a ADHA Trustee, I really enjoyed working with the leadership teams empowering/mentoring them to grow both personally and professionally, so this was a natural transition for me. I found that Fortune Management had the right kind of dentist/team centered philosophy that I wanted to work with and a solid thirty-year foundation. I coach teams on implementing tools and strategies customized to meet the individual needs of the practice. This includes customized programs for increased production, financial policies, team accountability, and building a strong hygiene department. It’s my passion to empower the entire dental team to be the best they can be in caring for their patients, creating a dynamic atmosphere and continued growth personally and professionally! I currently work with practices in the KC metro, SW Missouri and NW Arkansas. www.swmissouri.fortunemgmt.com
Who had the greatest influence on your education and/or career path?
I have been very blessed and have so much gratitude for where my journey in dentistry has taken me. I absolutely love the dental professional and am so happy to help others enjoy their journey as well. I give credit to several strong, bold, empowering women in my life, as well as the opportunities I took to becoming a leader, volunteer, my own personal and professional growth, and even mentorship of my peers and colleagues to be some of my influencers. I am still learning and continue to be a lifelong learner.
What advice would you give to other RDHs seeking to advance their careers?
There are many options out there for anyone to grow and develop themselves in whatever way they choose to pursue. It all starts with your goals, creating a pathway to reach them and then taking massive action!
To learn more about the BSDH degree completion program visit our dental hygiene website.